Thursday, June 18, 2015

After a four-and-a-half hour hearing and "passionate" testimony from scores of residents and organizations, Community Board 2’s Land Use Committee failed to reach an affirmative vote on Brooklyn Public Library's plan to raze the beloved Brooklyn Heights branch and build a 36-story luxury condo.

They say it looks like the Flatiron. We say it looks like a monolith. Courtesy of Marvel Architects

It's likely the committee will get back together soon to mull over and approve the plan. But many sticking points were brought up in Wednesday night's seemingly endless testimony.

Housing advocates weren't thrilled that the affordable housing components will be built in less expensive neighborhoods.

Other concerns included overcrowded P.S. 8, the shrinkage of the library, BPL's lack of transparency, and the whole real estate give-away aspect of the plan. There's also a disturbing lack of faith in BPL and the city, and the sneaking suspicion that once the fabulous Business Library is sent to the wilds of Grand Army Plaza, it will melt into nooks and crannies and then disappear.

Still, some groups back the plan, including the Brooklyn Heights Association and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, which “believes the plans are well thought out and will benefit the community.”